Page:Wildwildheart00reesiala.pdf/166
thing. The sort of emigrants who, in a few years’ time, would be living in a house of their own, and in possession of a neat little Ford.
Mrs. Hill made up the pretty curtains which Ann got for the shop and for her bedroom; stitched covers for chairs and cushioned lounge; and did many other necessary sewing jobs. Ann, in the intervals of purchasing cheap second-hand furniture and directing operations, was working furiously at her hat-making. She visited the two warehouses in the town, but found the millinery there commonplace and dowdy. She was, however, able to purchase a certain amount of stock which she could alter and re-trim. She had determined that she would never have anything but exclusive millinery. In a small town like this, boasting of less than thirteen thousand inhabitants—where nearly all her customers would know one another—she must never repeat a successful model.
Mrs. Hill was undoubtedly a “find.” She was neat, and clever with her needle, and under Ann’s directions was able to do a considerable amount to help with the hats, as well as the plain sewing.
Less than ten days after finding the rooms, Ann was ready, and prepared to begin business. She had been for some time installed in the back room, and now had forty hats ready for her first display.
The shop with its black floor and tables; its bright orange rugs; jade green wooden chairs; and cretonne- covered lounge; old-fashioned gilt mirrors; tall jars of flowers; and its array of charming hats undoubtedly looked exceedingly attractive. Anticipating a rush on the first day, Ann engaged Mrs. Hill to be in attendance; and they were both in a state of great excitement when they opened the street door at